- Home
- Dog Symptoms
- Itching His Eye in Dogs
Itching His Eye in Dogs
What is Itching His Eye?
Your dog may occasionally rub or claw at their eye when dirt or a small foreign object irritates their eye. This can easily be alleviated by flushing the affected eye with water or saline solution. You should be concerned if your dog is continually itching or rubbing their eye. This is indicative of a potential problem that may require veterinarian intervention.
Sometimes, your dog’s eyes may run or feel itchy during certain times or the year or when they are exposed to an allergen. Allergies can usually be treated simply, just consult with your veterinarian before you give your dog any over the counter medication for their allergies.
Other possible conditions for why your dog is itching his eye include:
- In-grown eyelids
- Inflammation from infection
- Irritation
- Allergies
- Prolapse of the third eyelid
- Corneal ulcer
- Pink eye
Why Itching His Eye Occurs in Dogs
There are several reasons why your dog is itching his eye. When you notice your dog itching their eye excessively, you will need to examine the affected eye for any visible foreign object. You can flush the eye with warm water or a sterile saline solution. If flushing the eye does not remove the irritant, you will need to make an immediate appointment with your veterinarian. When it comes to eye care, it is essential that you have your veterinarian assess your dog and provide appropriate treatment.
In-Grown Eyelids
In-grown eyelids can be a hereditary problem or they can be the result of continuous inflammation. The eyelids will turn inside and the eyelashes press against the eye. When your dog itches or rubs at the affected eye, they can create a large ulcer.
Inflammation From Infection
When you notice the area around the eye or even the eye itself is inflamed, that is generally a sign of an infection in the eye. Your veterinarian will prescribe eye drops and may even prescribe oral antibiotics.
Irritation and Allergies
Dry eye, dirt, pollen or other small foreign particles can invade your dog’s eyes. These foreign particles can cause scratches on the cornea and intense irritation. You can flush your dog’s eye with a sterile saline solution. If the eye is still irritated after flushing it be sure to contact your veterinarian and have it checked.
Prolapse of the Third Eyelid
Your dog has a third eyelid that protects the cornea and the gland within the third eyelid produces tears to provide lubrication for the cornea. The gland will sometimes become swollen and then bulge up and over the top of the third eyelid. This can cause irritation and will produce yellow mucus.
Corneal Ulcer
This will occur when your dog experiences a more severe eye injury, usually from a foreign object such as a cat’s claw, thorn or twig. Your veterinarian will need to assess your dog’s corneal ulcer and determine the best course of action. Most dogs make a full recovery from a corneal ulcer.
Pink Eye
Dog pink eye, also known as dog conjunctivitis, will affect your dog the same as pink eye affects humans. Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose dog pink eye quickly based on the symptoms and begin treatments immediately.
What to do if your Dog is Itching His Eye
Anytime your dog is continually itching at their eye you should contact your veterinarian and have them look at the affected eye. You do not want to medicate your dog with over the counter medications or home remedies as you could cause irreversible damage to the eye.
Some eye issues will require more intensive medical treatments and prescription medications. In-grown eyelids usually will require a simple surgery to roll the eyelid outward so the eyelashes do not irritate your dog’s eye. A prolapsed third eyelid may also require surgery and the removal of the gland on the third eyelid. Antibiotics and prescription eye drops may also be a necessary part of treatment.
In some instances, a canine ophthalmologist may be needed to treat more severe eye injuries or conditions. If you do not treat your dog’s eye issue properly, you could cause permanent damage.
Prevention of Itching His Eye
There are some conditions that are simply not preventable, those conditions are usually hereditary. Other conditions can be prevented by doing daily checks of your dog’s eyes and immediately taking action when you notice your dog itching his eye.
Dogs with known allergies may need to take allergy medications and avoid the allergens that cause the irritation. Make sure that their environment is clean and allergen free. Ask your veterinarian about lubricating eye drops if your dog is suffering from irritation or dry eyes.
Cost of Itching His Eye
Costs will vary depending on the condition and the demographic. On average, in-grown eyelids can cost around $350 to treat. Corneal ulcers, lacerations or infections can range in cost from $200 to $2500. Prolapsed third eyelid treatment can average in cost about $600.
Worried about the cost of treating your pet's symptoms?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Itching His Eye Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Maltipoo
Eight Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Concave Chest
My dog keep scratching his eye
Sept. 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails.
I hope that your pet is feeling better. If they are still having problems, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed.
Oct. 23, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Pit Bull
Seven Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching Eye,
Hi there, my PitBull has been rubbing his left eye for a couple days now. The pus on the left side seems to have a brown color to it. The bottom eyeline on the left side has some brown on it too. His eye does not seem to be inflamed. I have been wiping the pus twice a day with a salt/warm water solution.
Aug. 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Eyes can have irritation due to foreign bodies, dust, allergies, infections, or problems with the eyelids. If it has been more than a couple of days, and it does not seem to be getting better, it would probably be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian. They will be able to examine him, look at his eyes closely, and see if there are any medications that he needs so that his eyes are back to normal. I hope that all goes well for him.
Aug. 14, 2020
Was this question and answer helpful?
Cav-A-Jack
Norman
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itchy Eyes
MY 2 year old King Charles Cavalier Jack Russel mix keeps rubbing his face/eyes on the ground as if they are super itchy. He normally has tear stains on his face, I assume that is from him being part King Charles Cavalier. He doesn't seem to be in any pain nor is there any redness around the eyes. Is this some type of allergy? He has always rubbed his face across carpets every now and then, but now he does it several times a day, sometimes for minutes.
June 13, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
From your description, Norman does sound itchy, and he may be having a problem that needs treatment. It would be best to have him seen by your veterinarian to see if he has a bacterial infection, allergies, or what else might be going on.
June 13, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Siberian Husky
Zero
2 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Scratching
Hey I have a 2 year old husky who keeps scratching his right eye, thing is I took him to a vet they gave me a creme to use for the redness he makes from scratching - well it healed but a month later he's back at it, it's becoming an on and off thing. The vet checked it before and said it was nothing to worry about, so I'm confused, he itches regardless of seasons, his food changes often because he tends to get bored of it and refuses to eat the same thing for long. He gets his excercise so it's not boredom, not fleas, but the eye itself isn't red or watery, there's nothing that looks physically wrong except the redness and scabs underneath from his scratching.
Sorry Thats alot longer than i expected to write :-)
May 18, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Zero may have a parasite, or a bacterial or fungal infection. Without seeing him, I can't comment on what might be going on, but if it got better with the medication and then came back, that may be a clue for your veterinarian to figure out what is going on with him. He may need further diagnostics to determine what is happening. It is okay to let your veterinarian know that you are worried about it, and need to figure out what is happening so you can fix it. I hope that all goes well for him.
May 18, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Lasa Apso
Maui
14 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding And Loss Of Fur In Area.
My dog is a 14 month Lasa Apso that keeps scratching under his right eye. His eye seems fine but the fur under the right eye area is being scratched off and bleeds. I took him to the vet and he prescribed an eye an eye drop to for the eye and the surrounding area. But my dog want let be put the drops in. He puts up a good fight and nips at you. Any suggetions would be grateful.
Med prescribed: Neomycin and Polymyxin B Sulfates and Dexamethasone, 1-2 drops every 12 hours for 7 days.
Feb. 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Dogs can be difficult to treat, for sure! One thing that may help with Maui's treatment might be to hold him in your lap, and hold his head from behind while you put the drops in, rather than coming at him from the front. Associating the drops with treats can also help - if he knows that his eyedrops always result in a delicious treat, it may help. if you can't make any of this work and he isn't cooperating, your veterinarian will be able to show you how to treat his eyes if you stop in the clinic and ask. I hope that all goes well with Maui!
Feb. 22, 2018
Was this question and answer helpful?
Longhaired Shepard
King
4 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Itching
Itchy Eye
My 4 year old shepard have had a itchy eye for almost 2 years now, we did see an eye vet about it but she couldn't really find the reason for his itchiness. Its mainly the left eye that is affected by this and he go nuts trying to still the irritation and often seek us out to help him. He's sore around the eye and little to none hair left around that zone and his usually black skin have become pink. We have tried different solutions both outside and inside the eye but nothing have really seemed to help. He's the kindest dog in the world so it pains me to see him suffer like this. He have some skin allergies from before but we use the medication "Apoquel" to calm that type of itchiness which have worked wonders, and since that haven't managed to take care of the eye problem, I still think its an ingrown hair issue so we will most likely seek out an eye specialist again to see if anything can be done.
